Title

Author

Defense Date

2001

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Information Systems

First Advisor

Dr. Peter H. Aiken

Abstract

Early motion pictures resembled theatre productions on film. Decades would pass before the techniques of special effects and editing evolved to provide the type of movie often shown today. Similarly, early television looked like a radio show where the audience could observe the speakers. Ford's Model T, a "horse-less" carriage. seemed to be designed for a harness. In these examples, successful companies learned how to harness and exploit the power of new technologies--others companies became victims. Companies of the current economy must recognize they face a similar watershed. According to Tom Stewart, the economy effectively transitioned into the Information Age during 1991. "That year, spending for production technology was $107 billion and information technology spending was $112 billion. Call that year one of the information age. Ever since, companies have spent more money on equipment that gathers, processes, analyzes, and distributes information than on machines that stamp, cut, assemble, lift, and otherwise manipulate the physical world." The burgeoning role of the Internet compounds the formal advent of the Information Age. These phenomena beg a critical, well-reasoned response. Whether beginning a new venture or charting a course for an established entity, executives must plan their path with the knowledge of technology shifi occurring.